Zika Virus and Pregnancy

Zika Virus and Pregnancy

Get the facts about Zika virus and pregnancy

Mosquitos are frequent companions during many outdoor summer activities, but these days, they’re more than just an annoyance. These buzzing pests can carry Zika virus, which can cause severe illness as well as birth defects. Women who are trying to conceive need to understand the link between Zika virus and pregnancy risk, as well as how to protect themselves and their babies.

Zika can be transmitted to a woman when she is bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus, or through unprotected sex with a man who is infected. Infection is particularly risky for women who are TTC or pregnant, as Zika can pass to a fetus and cause devastating brain malformations, including microcephaly. Our New York fertility center monitors the spread of the disease in the United States and abroad, so we can help the women in our care reduce the risks of Zika virus and pregnancy.

Guidelines for Zika virus and pregnancy risk

As Zika spreads, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks outbreaks and issues guidance to help people stay safe. Because of the link between Zika virus and pregnancy, CDC guidelines are especially important for men and women who are TTC or undergoing fertility treatment, as well as for pregnant women.

Thankfully, New York is currently unaffected by the spread of Zika, but there are two U.S. states where Zika has been detected: Texas and Florida. If you’re planning travel this summer, be sure to find out about the level of Zika risk at your destination and follow CDC guidelines.

Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas if you are TTC or planning fertility treatment.

If travel to high-risk areas can’t be avoided, use every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitos during your travels. Male partners should consider freezing sperm before travel.

If you’ve recently traveled to a Zika zone or been exposed to the virus, it’s important to delay fertility treatment or TTC for at least eight weeks.

If your male partner has been exposed, he needs to wait at least six months before trying for a baby.

If you’ve succeeded in getting pregnant, do not travel to a high-risk area, and if possible, delay travel to cautionary zones.

Questions about Zika? We can help

As you coordinate your summer travels with your fertility treatment, or if you think that you or your partner may have been exposed, be sure to ask your fertility specialist about Zika virus and pregnancy risk. Our New York fertility center wants to do everything we can to protect you from illness and ensure a safe pregnancy. Contact us to schedule a consultation.